Doctors need to keep an eye out for deep vein thrombosis

Publicly released: Mon 17 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

The non-specific nature of the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) means doctors must keep an eye out for the potentially deadly condition, according to a review by Aussie researchers. DVT symptoms include leg pain, swelling, redness Read more about Doctors need to keep an eye out for deep vein thrombosis - Scimex

Treating some Parkinson's symptoms remains a major challenge

Publicly released: Mon 17 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

Although there has been some progress in treating problems with movement, and symptoms related to the brain's dopamine system, treating the other symptoms of Parkinson's disease is still a major challenge, according to Australian researchers. These Read more about Treating some Parkinson's symptoms remains a major challenge - Scimex

HPV vaccine closing the gap in Indigenous cervical cancer rates

Publicly released: Mon 17 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

MJA

High HPV vaccination rates in Indigenous teenagers is an encouraging sign for closing the gap in cervical cancer rates, according to Aussie researchers who are now focusing on how to increase course completion rates. Cervical cancer rates are higher Read more about HPV vaccine closing the gap in Indigenous cervical cancer rates - Scimex

Is Sydney’s health system ready for a smallpox epidemic?

Publicly released: Sat 15 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

A deliberate release of smallpox in a big city is a nightmare public health scenario, but new research by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney suggests that the worst can be avoided through comprehensive health system planning. According to the Read more about Is Sydney’s health system ready for a smallpox epidemic? - Scimex

'Double-slit' quantum experiment shows strangeness of quantum uncertainty

Publicly released: Sat 15 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Science Advances

An experiment proposed at Griffith University and performed at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has shown that quantum uncertainty can be enforced in a strange, non-local way, even with just a single particle. The finding Read more about 'Double-slit' quantum experiment shows strangeness of quantum uncertainty - Scimex

Physically demanding jobs linked to poor health in delayed retirement

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 1058 AEST | 1258 NZST

Journal of Industrial Relations

Men and women who have physically demanding jobs may experience poorer mental and physical health if they delay their retirement, new research led by Curtin University has found. Media Release. From:Curtin University. Men and women who have Read more about Physically demanding jobs linked to poor health in delayed retirement - Scimex

Researchers discover new drug target for liver disease treatment

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0935 AEST | 1135 NZST

Science Translational Medicine

A possible drug target for chronic liver disease has been identified by an international research collaboration involving a University of Queensland team. Researchers from from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) worked with the Read more about Researchers discover new drug target for liver disease treatment - Scimex

Excess weight causes heart disease

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0905 AEST | 1105 NZST

European Heart Journal

Excess weight and body fat are likely to cause a range of heart and blood vessel diseases, according to international researchers. Using a technique called ‘Mendelian Randomisation’ - which uses genetics to allow scientists to determine whether Read more about Excess weight causes heart disease - Scimex

Workplaces should encourage workouts

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The Lancet Public Health

A workplace exercise program could improve the health and productivity of employees at high risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to international researchers. 314 Germans with metabolic syndrome were given a fitness tracker and received Read more about Workplaces should encourage workouts - Scimex

Getting ciggy butts out of the gutter

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0800 AEST | 1000 NZST

Tobacco Control

Kiwis think the best way to stop ciggy butts littering our streets is to require cigarettes to contain biodegradable filters, fine smokers who litter, and expand smoke-free outdoor areas, according to a University of Otago study. Most of the people Read more about Getting ciggy butts out of the gutter - Scimex

We have Cassini to thank for these close-ups of Saturn’s rings

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

Science

Data from the Cassini spacecraft’s final farewell indicates the structure of Saturn’s main rings is shaped by gravitational interactions, with small moons orbiting close to or within the rings. The rings are essentially a broad equatorial disk Read more about We have Cassini to thank for these close-ups of Saturn’s rings - Scimex

How the cold sore virus takes the 'killer' out of our immune system

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Pathogens

The viruses responsible for chickenpox and cold sores evade our immune system by preventing our natural 'killer cells' from being able to kill infected cells, according to Australian research. Natural killer cells are white blood cells that help Read more about How the cold sore virus takes the 'killer' out of our immune system - Scimex

Chronic liver disease on the rise in Queensland

Publicly released: Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

EClinical Medicine

A new study by QIMR Berghofer and Princess Alexandra Hospital has found a significant increase in the number of Queenslanders being admitted to hospital for treatment of chronic liver disease, and the rates are highest among the state’s most Read more about Chronic liver disease on the rise in Queensland - Scimex

Just 2 hours of 'forest bathing' weekly may make you happier and healthier

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 2300 AEST | Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0100 NZST

Scientific Reports

Spending at least two hours a week in natural environments such as forests or fields may make you healthier and happier, according to an English study. The self-reported survey of 20, 000 people showed the benefits were seen in participants of all Read more about Just 2 hours of 'forest bathing' weekly may make you happier and healthier - Scimex

Contraceptive injection doesn't increase HIV risk as thought

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 2200 AEST | Fri 14 Jun 2019 at 0000 NZST

The Lancet

A new study counters 30 years of research suggesting a potential association between the contraceptive injection and the risk of acquiring HIV. International researchers conducted the first randomised trial in southern Africa, comparing the Read more about Contraceptive injection doesn't increase HIV risk as thought - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Adani mine gets the final green light

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 1413 AEST | 1613 NZST

The Adani mine has been given the final go ahead by the Queensland Government. With this approval, the group has permission to begin the building of their controversial mine site in the north of the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland. Attachments:. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Adani mine gets the final green light - Scimex

New ‘king’ of fossils discovered on Kangaroo Island

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 1240 AEST | 1440 NZST

Journal of Systematic Palaeontology

Fossils of a giant new species from the long-extinct group of sea creatures called trilobites have been found on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The finding is adding important insights to our knowledge of the Cambrian ‘explosion’, the Read more about New ‘king’ of fossils discovered on Kangaroo Island - Scimex

Asteroid Vesta originates from a cosmic 'hit-and-run' collision

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 1153 AEST | 1353 NZST

Nature Geoscience

The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter preserves the processes of planetary formation, frozen in time. Vesta, the second largest asteroid in this belt, provides an outstanding opportunity for scientists to investigate the origin and formation of Read more about Asteroid Vesta originates from a cosmic 'hit-and-run' collision - Scimex

Gold Coast shines as creative hotspot for national QUT study

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 1112 AEST | 1312 NZST

The glittering Gold Coast is internationally famous for sun, surf and fun but there is much more to Australia's largest non-capital city. While all of those pleasures still await visitors, the 'Goldie' is also one of the country's cultural and Read more about Gold Coast shines as creative hotspot for national QUT study - Scimex

New species of skink found in remote North Queensland

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 1110 AEST | 1310 NZST

Queensland Museum scientists have described a new species of skink found in a small pocket of land in North Queensland. Found in the remote Olkola National Park in north Queensland, the skink (Lerista) was discovered by consultants working with Read more about New species of skink found in remote North Queensland - Scimex

New urban development decision-support tool takes on the heat

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 1030 AEST | 1230 NZST

As Australian cities heat up, the need for local governments and planning practices to address rising temperatures and the resulting urban heat island effect (UHI), is being assisted by an innovative, online UHI mitigation decision-support tool, Read more about New urban development decision-support tool takes on the heat - Scimex

Braces won’t always bring happiness

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 0906 AEST | 1106 NZST

Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research

Research undertaken at the University of Adelaide overturns the belief that turning your crooked teeth into a beautiful smile will automatically boost your self-confidence. Media Release. From:The University of Adelaide. Research undertaken at the Read more about Braces won’t always bring happiness - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Stepping-up your red meat intake could be a step closer to the grave

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

BMJ

Upping your red meat intake, particularly processed red meat, may be leading you closer to the grave, according to US and Chinese researchers who found an association between the two. However, the team suggests cutting down your red meat intake and Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Stepping-up your red meat intake could be a step closer to the grave - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Epilepsy drugs linked to increased risk of suicidal behaviour, particularly in young people

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

BMJ

A group of drugs used for epilepsy, nerve pain and anxiety disorders has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour, unintentional overdose, injuries, and road traffic incidents, in a study by international researchers. The drugs, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Epilepsy drugs linked to increased risk of suicidal behaviour, particularly in young people - Scimex

Does your baby kick you in the evening? That's a good sign

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS One

New Zealand researchers noticed there weren't clear guidelines telling soon-to-be mums what type of fetal movement is normal in the last few weeks of pregnancy. They interviewed 274 pregnant in their third trimester and found three-quarters felt Read more about Does your baby kick you in the evening? That's a good sign - Scimex

Evolutionary discovery to rewrite textbooks

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 0301 AEST | 0501 NZST

Nature

Scientists at The University of Queensland have upended biologists’ century-old understanding of the evolutionary history of animals. Using new technology to investigate how multi-celled animals developed, their findings revealed a surprising truth Read more about Evolutionary discovery to rewrite textbooks - Scimex

Climate as a risk factor for armed conflict

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Nature

People keep talking about the potential of future climate wars - but how likely are these? And are any current or historical conflicts caused by climate changes? In an analysis piece, a group of international researchers write that climate has Read more about Climate as a risk factor for armed conflict - Scimex

Our gut bugs respond differently to foods with similar nutrition labels

Publicly released: Thu 13 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Cell Host & Microbe

Foods that look the same on nutrition labels can still affect our gut microbiome – or friendly gut bugs – differently, according to international researchers who had the envious task of looking at the diets and poop samples of 34 people over 17 Read more about Our gut bugs respond differently to foods with similar nutrition labels - Scimex

What's the best way to stop us guzzling fizzy drinks?

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 2000 AEST | 2200 NZST

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Researchers are trialling lots of different ways to influence us to buy or drink fewer sugary drinks - but what actually works? The latest Cochrane Review evaluates several different interventions and found that price increases can decrease sales of Read more about What's the best way to stop us guzzling fizzy drinks? - Scimex

EXPERT REACTION: Departing PM Theresa May commits UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 1030 AEST | 1230 NZST

British Prime Minister Theresa May has committed the UK to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the first major economy in the world to do so. The commitment has been made in an amendment to the Climate Change Act as a statutory instrument, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Departing PM Theresa May commits UK to net zero carbon emissions by 2050  - Scimex

Throat cancer linked to HPV infection up to 40 years earlier

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0905 AEST | 1105 NZST

Annals of Oncology

People with throat cancer can have antibodies against the human papilloma virus (HPV) up to 40 years before their diagnosis, according to Australian and international research. Antibodies against a high risk type of HPV, known as HPV-16, were found Read more about Throat cancer linked to HPV infection up to 40 years earlier - Scimex

Love songs from paradise take a nosedive

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Proceedings of the Royal Society B

The Galápagos Islands finches named after Charles Darwin are starting to sing a different tune because of an introduced pest on the once pristine environment. International bird ecology experts, including Professor Sonia Kleindorfer and Dr Read more about Love songs from paradise take a nosedive - Scimex

Bottlenose dolphins that sponge together, stay together

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0901 AEST | 1101 NZST

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Male bottlenose dolphins form tight-knit groups with their bros who know how to forage for food using sponges, say international and Aussie scientists. The dolphins which can use sponges like to hang around together, forming groups to coerce females Read more about Bottlenose dolphins that sponge together, stay together - Scimex

Care workers often verbally abused

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Care workers are frequently verbally abused by clients and their families, according to a study from the US. Clients living in cramped conditions and those with dementia or limited mobility were most likely to abuse their carers. A quarter of nursing Read more about Care workers often verbally abused - Scimex

Global burden of mental health in conflict settings

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The Lancet

People living in countries that have experienced armed conflict are five times more likely to develop anxiety or depression, a University of Queensland research collaboration has found. Funder: The World Health Organization helped fund this research Read more about Global burden of mental health in conflict settings - Scimex

Common IVF procedure can leave couples less likely to conceive

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0500 AEST | 0700 NZST

Australian and NZ Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

An IVF procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is used to fertilise an egg, results in lower rates of successful pregnancies and births than standard IVF according to Australian research. ICSI was developed to Read more about Common IVF procedure can leave couples less likely to conceive - Scimex

Majority of Australian children with mental health disorders not accessing care

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0500 AEST | 0700 NZST

Australian Journal of Psychology

A new study has found the vast majority of Australian children with mental health disorders are not getting professional help with girls, young children and families from non-English-speaking backgrounds the least likely to access services. Funder: Read more about Majority of Australian children with mental health disorders not accessing care - Scimex

Recyclable films could replace metallic coatings in food packaging

Publicly released: Wed 12 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

UK researchers have developed fully recyclable transparent films that can be used to replace some of the metallic coatings used in food packaging. Current packaging that includes metallic layers is very difficult to recycle, as it's hard to separate Read more about Recyclable films could replace metallic coatings in food packaging - Scimex

Co-ordinated approach urgently required to slow progression of antibiotic resistance

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 1131 AEST | 1331 NZST

MJA

Infectious disease experts from around Australia are calling for urgent action to address antibiotic resistance before it has a dangerous impact on remote Aboriginal communities. Research has shown these remote towns have Australia’s highest rates Read more about Co-ordinated approach urgently required to slow progression of antibiotic resistance - Scimex

Asteroid mining not a million miles away

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0948 AEST | 1148 NZST

Work by a team of University of Adelaide scientists to perfect metal and mineral extraction processes is bringing the possibility of mining the wealth contained within asteroids closer to reality. But science fiction won’t become fact until Read more about Asteroid mining not a million miles away - Scimex

Secondary students' sexual health survey

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0947 AEST | 1147 NZST

Sexually active Australian secondary students tend to engage in responsible sexual behaviour but there is still room to improve knowledge and education for this group, according to a nationwide survey conducted by La Trobe University. Funder: Read more about Secondary students' sexual health survey - Scimex

Rates of Legionnaire’s disease in NZ vastly underestimated

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

Lancet Infectious Diseases

A New Zealand-wide study of the burden of Legionnaire’s disease has found triple the number of cases than had been previously reported. Researchers from the University of Otago tested for the bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease among Read more about Rates of Legionnaire’s disease in NZ vastly underestimated - Scimex

People have been drinking Sav Blanc for 900 years

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Plants

Some grape varieties cultivated hundreds of years ago are still in use today, according to European researchers who analysed grape seeds from archaeological sites in France dating from the Medieval period, the Roman era and as far back as the Iron Read more about People have been drinking Sav Blanc for 900 years - Scimex

Sleeping with the TV on associated with weight gain

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

Exposure to artificial light at night while sleeping may put you at risk for gaining weight, according to US researchers. The researchers asked women in a cohort study about the amount of light usually present when they were sleeping when they Read more about Sleeping with the TV on associated with weight gain - Scimex

Are pharma payments to nurses impacting your healthcare?

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

New analysis reveals pharmaceutical industry payments to Australian non-prescribing healthcare professionals such as nurses and pharmacists are substantial, raising questions around influence and a call for greater transparency. Funder: Dr Grundy Read more about Are pharma payments to nurses impacting your healthcare? - Scimex

Dengue to spread to new parts of Australia by 2050

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Microbiology

The places in Australia that are at risk from dengue are expected to shift over the next 60 years with the virus spreading inland, according to international and Australian research. The researchers mapped the places that were suitable for the dengue Read more about Dengue to spread to new parts of Australia by 2050 - Scimex

HIV diagnosis is delayed for Aussie women

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

ANZJPH

Women diagnosed with HIV in Victoria frequently report no previous HIV testing history, and are often diagnosed late, once symptoms of HIV/AIDS are present according to Australian research. The study found that although women make up only around 10 Read more about HIV diagnosis is delayed for Aussie women - Scimex

Five Aussies drown trying to rescue someone each year

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

ANZJPH

Teaching young people how to perform a water rescue and resuscitation could prevent drownings, according to Australian researchers, who say that around five people will drown trying to rescue someone in Australia each year. The team found that Read more about Five Aussies drown trying to rescue someone each year - Scimex

Supermarket softdrink specials undermining health messages

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

ANZJPH

Around two thirds of drink specials at Coles and Woolworths are for sugary drinks, including soft drinks and cordials, according to Australian research. The authors say these 'specials' undermine efforts to promote healthy diets, and policies to Read more about Supermarket softdrink specials undermining health messages - Scimex

Childhood anaemia common in Indigenous kids in Queensland

Publicly released: Tue 11 Jun 2019 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

ANZJPH

Childhood anaemia is common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Far North Queensland, according to Australian research. Anaemia can be caused by nutrient deficiencies such as a lack of folate, vitamin B12 and iron, as well as Read more about Childhood anaemia common in Indigenous kids in Queensland - Scimex